Overview

Ever wondered how the science of psychology is used to inform practice in forensic and legal settings?

This BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), is one of only a few undergraduate courses in the country specialising in this field. You’ll learn about investigative interviewing and deception detection, and cover topics such as eye witness identification and burglar selection strategy.

You'll be eligible for graduate membership of the BPS when you complete the course, which is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. The skills you learn will also be useful in careers like police work, social welfare, the probation service and teaching.

Accredited by:

This degree confers eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Graduate Basis for Registration.

Be able to use eye-tracking equipment and test minority influencing scenarios in our Observation Suite

Take advantage of our connections with the local justice sector, offering opportunities for forensic psychology work placements

Enjoy the benefits of studying in a department hosting one of the UK’s largest forensic psychology research groups

Use our motion capture studios, which feature the latest Vicon optical system, to explore the mechanics and perception of human movement, looking at how body language influences our appraisal of others and affects interpersonal interactions

Careers and opportunities

When you complete the course, you'll be eligible for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is an essential first step to becoming a professional forensic psychologist. To become a professional forensic psychologist, you'll need to do further academic training for up to 6 years.

What can you do with a Forensic Psychology degree?

Many graduates go on to do an MSc in Forensic Psychology after the course. You could also start a career in areas such as:

teaching

health associated professions

social welfare

police work

probation service

research

What jobs can you do with a Forensic Psychology degree?

Roles previous graduates have gone on to include:

clinical psychologist

forensic psychologist

educational psychologist

counsellor

health planning analyst

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job or further training that puts your skills to work. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.

I like the fact that we are able to study forensic topics throughout the course and not only in the final year as was offered at some universities.

Hannah Brock, BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology degree

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, in the first 2 years, you'll study 6 modules, each worth 20 credits. In the final year of your degree, you'll study 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Placement year

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the field.

Previous students have completed work placements in organisations such as prisons and medium secure units.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Work experience and career planning

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.

We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies and build links in the industry

Academic skills support

As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing

Note taking

Time management

Critical thinking

Presentation skills

Referencing

Working in groups

Revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

How to apply from outside the UK

If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply for this course through UCAS or apply directly to us (see the 'How to apply' section above for details). You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.